Nearly coming into the new season, despite the injuries, Memphis Grizzlies veteran Mike Conley might still be a commodity in this point guard driven league. In relation to teammate Marc Gasol’s unhappiness with the franchise last season, there could be a sliver of discontent that could have rubbed off on their franchise point guard.
If that is the case, the owner of the once highest paid contract in the league may just rock the Memphis boat enough to be in trade waters this season.
For a team that should seek a minor jump start, considering a trade with the Detroit Pistons might prove to be more than beneficial for both sides.
Grizzlies send Mike Conley and Dillon Brooks to the Detroit Pistons for Reggie Jackson, Jon Leuer, Stanley Johnson, and their 2020 first round pick.
Why this makes sense for the Grizzlies?
With a team anchored in contracts full of injured or aging pieces, it sounds disastrous moving forward into the future of the franchise. While they are trying to adapt to the modern space and pace game of the NBA, it makes the transition easier when you have athleticism and youth on your side.
It is a clear win on their end at any angle despite ridding themselves of a huge contract they take in cheaper serviceable pieces and assets that could have an impact on their future.
At first glance, bagging combo guard Reggie Jackson seemed like the future of the team. On the contrary, he and Jon Leuer will serve as transition pieces to the Jaren Jackson Jr era, assuming that Gasol is now out by then. As their contracts reach albatross status, they become viable trade pieces to make major moves on the roster.
The real jewel of this trade is surprisingly Stanley Johnson. Last year, he erupted for an unreal 86-point game in a Drake-sponsored summer league in Toronto. Critics might question the degree of competition, but he was against NBA class talent when he exploded.
How does it translate to the trade? For a player who has never scored double figures in his career, he now has the license to have the offensive liberty he didn’t really have playing beside the likes of Reggie Jackson, Blake Griffin, and Andre Drummond. The expectation is not to expect an outburst of scoring like he did, but to give him an opportunity to showcase and develop that kind of talent.
Assuming he transforms into an above average NBA scorer, at 22-years-old, having him and Jaren Jackson Jr as building blocks for the future doesn’t sound too bad. With a pick that could possibly translate to another franchise-altering piece, the Grit and Grind era ushers in the Grizzlies into the space and pace game with the right pieces.
How does it do good for the Pistons?
The Pistons had the illusion that they were getting a franchise point guard with Reggie Jackson’s sample size production when Westbrook was out. Jackson was confident himself as he billed his exploits fit for a starting gig. Despite playing well after the trade, he just couldn’t get back into his 2015-16 breakout season form. Riddled with injuries and lackluster play, it is clear that the Pistons should move on from their hopes on Jackson.
The Pistons big man duo of Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond make a fascinating All-star pairing worthy of future playoff appearances. Despite the undeniable talent that the two possess, they need someone funneling that talent effectively into a direction. This is where veteran point guard Mike Conley comes in.
Trading for Conley gives them that court general that the Pistons clearly lack. A reliable, consistent, battle-tested player who rarely makes mistakes, one who can make shots when needed, a persona like Piston great Chauncey Billups, Conley fits that bill of being that leader for the team.
With an 11-year experience of basketball wisdom under his belt, he can turn the mediocre Pistons on to a contending force in the weaker Eastern conference.
Moreover, Dillon Brooks is a nice throw in to bolster the Detroit-based franchise even more. In 74 starts last season, Brooks has shown some flashes of brilliance that could translate into something good for the right team to develop him.
Conclusion
The Grizzlies get their needed small scale reboot with movable pieces and future assets. Prompting a rebuild, but not necessarily tanking, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Gasol would be shipped out to a willing team after this move.
Furthermore, the Pistons get ready to challenge the East with their new court general. Playoff appearances will be expected, but they might be a piece or two to be truly considered a threat to the elite teams in the East.
Follow Us
Subscribe